1st Place: 2022 Lionel Washington Johnson Youth Award

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Student Name: Ariana Metzger, Grade 6
Teacher Name: Nels Tooker
School: Newington Public School
Newington, NH

Sometimes, you wonder why people love,
Sometimes, you need answers to your queries.
Sometimes, you pray to the heavens above
To lift the burden off your shoulders that you carry.

Life is confusing and unfair,
Life moves faster than you can comprehend.
Life is a treacherous joy, leaves you gasping for air,
Life will leave, and you must accept it when it ends.

Love lifts you off the ground,
Love squeezes your heart.
Love will make you feel found,
But you have to do your part.

Find yourself, and
Slowly, you rise to the
Glorious sun.

Know yourself, and
Feel passion,
Love, and fun.

Love yourself, and
Flow forward,
The stars your map,

Go to yourself.
Waves on the beach,
A steady lap.